Sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens: a review on the etiology and prevention of the syndrome

Abstract

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a condition in which apparently healthy broiler chickens die suddenly. There are short convulsions and frantic wing-beating prior to death, and the weight of internal organs is the same as in healthy chickens. The exact etiology of SDS is unknown. Heart problems have been implicated as a potential cause of the disease in broiler chickens. Despite considerable research, effective methods of prevention are still being sought. Furthermore, the prophylactic measures often make production less profitable (reduced body weight gain resulting from restricted feeding) and prolong the growth period. It is necessary to continue research on SDS, in particular on stimulation of the cardiovascular system to reduce the susceptibility of broilers to sudden death syndrome under intensive production systems.

Feeding Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) or Exogenous Xylanase Improves the Blood Lipid Profile of Broiler Chickens Fed Wheat-Based Diets

“…There are similarities in lipid metabolism between chickens and humans that make birds a suitable model for investigation [ 61 ]; thus, a balance between blood lipids may also be important for their health and wellbeing. Sudden death syndrome (SDS), one of the main reasons for mortality in growing broilers, is also associated with heart problems (acute heart failure) as a potential cause of the disease in broiler chickens [ 62 ]. However, the use of BP and XYL in the reported study elicited favourable responses in levels of HDL and LDL; thus, they may have the potential to decrease the incidence of SDS in broilers.…”